PROJECT UPDATE
Project Overview
This initiative supported Kosovo’s Ministry of Economy in strengthening government capacity to develop policies and services for a more robust, inclusive, and sustainable mining sector.
Project Profile
The Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP), in collaboration with resource management policy and regulatory expert Deborah Archibald, partnered with Kosovo’s Ministry of Economy to strengthen the Government’s capacity to assess, design, develop and deliver policies, programs, and services that supported a more robust, inclusive, and sustainable mining sector benefiting all Kosovans including women, the vulnerable and people experiencing poverty.
After years of devastating war, the sector was in disarray despite considerable mineral reserves and mining opportunities, including potential environmental and safety challenges from equipment damage and incomplete mine shutdowns. The initiative helped implement necessary systems to attract quality foreign direct investment by creating a regulatory environment that protected all assets and investors in the industry.
Key Deliverables
- Technical Support and Knowledge Products
- Completed 360 Review Report and Needs Assessment, analyzing current sector capacity
- Delivered Report on Mineral Resources Sector – Governance and Institutional Framework
- Prepared Report on Mineral Resources Sector – Development of Mining Strategy
- Provided technical support to the Government of Kosovo business mission to the PDAC conference
- Capacity Support and Training
- Delivered ongoing coaching and mentoring of the Deputy Minister over six months
- Facilitated capacity building engagement with Trepça State Owned Enterprise representatives
- Coordinated planning and accompaniment of government delegation to PDAC annual mining conference in Toronto
- Reviewed operational challenges and provided feedback on the Ernst & Young report
Project Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The project enhanced the understanding of government roles in overseeing mineral resource development throughout the whole lifecycle. Key learning included policy functions necessary for oversight: policy development, resource rent collection, geoscience analysis, investment promotion, and safety regulation. There was a significant shift in progress, evolving from general questioning to specific policy discussions.
Key lessons learned highlighted the importance of understanding the political environment in key sectors, such as mining, which must be considered during planning before commencing technical assistance, as well as the staff shortage that could have impacted deliverables. Participation at the PDAC Conference, a mineral exploration and mining convention, helped identify preparation needs for investment promotion.
Direct Project Reach:
- 105 participants engaged through workshops, training, technical support, and mentoring activities (76 male/26 female)
Public Engagement (Canada):
- 64 Canadians reached through outreach and engagement activities
Public Engagement Activities:
- Canadian expert Deborah Archibald:
- Published article in University of Calgary newsletter reaching 35,000 subscribers
- Participated in TAP-EDM Lunch & Learn Event in Calgary
- Published 10 LinkedIn/Twitter posts with Deputy Minister and TAP
- Contributed to the Extractive Resource Governance program (ERGP) newsletter article reaching 350 subscribers
- Participated in TAP Podcast recording with mining experts from Malawi
- Published blog on TAP-EDM website
- Engaged with dozens of mining industry delegates at PDAC representing TAP-EDM
